Refurbished US Frigate, USS McInerney to Join Pakistan Navy in 2010

by OldSailor on October 20, 2008

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Pakistan Navy is getting ready to add up a refurbished US frigate, USS McInerney (FFG-8) in 2010. Being a “major non-NATO ally”, Pakistan will be receiving this 32 years old guided missile frigate, after refurbishing at a cost of USD 65 million. The overhaul of the frigate will include the fitting of an anti-submarine missile system, modern guns and other weapons. The latest anti-submarine missile system may be to safeguard against India’s demonstration in February, to launch nuclear capable missiles from underwater.

Further, this frigate will improve Pakistan Navy’s ability to safeguard territorial waters. Also Pakistan is a member of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) for maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Pakistan also has commanded CTF 150 in 2006.

This addition of US frigate to Pakistan Navy takes place after Admiral Noman Bashir has taken over as the 18th Chief of Pakistan Navy on October 07. Also on October 14, Vice-Admiral Asif Humayun, Chief of Staff, Pakistan Navy while speaking at the Naval Engineering College, PNS Jauhar has told that more battleships and submarines are required by the Pakistan Navy in order to enhance the country’s defence capabilities to meet increasing regional maritime needs.

Here is an interesting six minutes video clip of USS McInerney on US Navy’s most successful counter-narcotics missions.